WALTHAM, MA-The tenant's tenet being energy conservation, National Grid's 270,000-sf lease at Reservoir Woods relied heavily on an adherence to sustainability, company officials tell GlobeSt.com in discussing the 20-year agreement. But while the energy delivery giant and what will be a local leader in green building technology would seem a natural fit, observers say National Grid's environmental mantra is not a singular occurrence.

"The tenants are absolutely demanding it," DTZ FHO Partners principal Brian Hines says of LEED-certified minimums. At a major real estate forum last week, Hines said LEED language is becoming standard in leasing RFP's. The transformation has been "astounding," Hines says in describing sustainability awareness among tenants as going "from zero to 60" in 2007.

The leasing of 77 CityPoint just up Route 128 from Reservoir Woods was aided greatly by the six-story, 200,000-sf office building's focus on sustainable design, says Hines, with developer Boston Properties aiming for a LEED Silver certificate. Slated to open next spring, the structure is 100% committed to three tenants. DTZ FHO is leasing agent.